The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Directed by Lebohang Motaung

Relevant to the current affairs in South Africa and many societies in the world to an extent, The Caucasian Chalk Circle will be on The Fringe stage, at Joburg Theatre, from April 5th to April 23rd 2017.

Photograph credits: Mariola Biela

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Relevant to the current affairs in South Africa and many societies in the world to an extent, The Caucasian Chalk Circle will be on The Fringe stage, at Joburg Theatre, from April 5th to April 23rd 2017.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a play set within-a-play which is one of the famous dramatist Brecht’s epic theatre techniques.

In a made-up town of Grusinia, a government expert is sent to sort out a land dispute between two groups of farmers. The themes that we can witness in the play include government corruption, land disputes, the gap between the rich and the poor, child neglect and women abuse which are all in the midst amongst other socio economic issues constantly seen in news headlines almost every day. Although there are heavy topics presented throughout the story, such as assassination, child neglect, and totalitarianism, the tones of the scenes are almost always meant to be humorous.

Various accents are kept close to contemporary South Africa in order to provide it with a local feel but not diversion from the original context.

Bertolt Brecht's sentiment that the audience should arrive at a decision to change the world they live in, and not walk away with a feeling of mere catharsis are kept in the play.

Tickets range from R100 to R180. These are available by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets. For group bookings of 10 or more, please contact the theatre directly on (011) 877 6853/6815. There are special schools performances at 11am on Wednesdays and Fridays only.